Judge to Bruce: Quit interrupting me

Anti-tax activist Douglas Bruce is not likely to face jail time if he’s found guilty of contempt of court, a Denver judge said today during a hearing that grew testy several times.

Responding to questions from Bruce, District Judge Brian Whitney said that — for the time being — he was not contemplating jail time for the former Republican lawmaker, who was in court to explain why he should not be held in contempt in a case involving campaign finance violations.

The question of jail time could change depending on the facts, Whitney said, and Bruce still could face fines if found in contempt of court.

In any case, Bruce, who represented himself in court, clearly was trying the judge’s patience throughout the hearing.

“Mr. Bruce, please stop interrupting me,” Whitney said at one point.

The contempt-of-court case against Bruce didn’t get far Monday. Bruce first attempted to have Whitney recuse himself from hearing the case, arguing that the judge was biased against him.

Whitney rejected Bruce’s request to send the contempt case to another judge, but he agreed to give Bruce time to review a list of witnesses and statements from the Attorney General John Suthers’ office, which sought the contempt citation. Whitney then reset the hearing on the contempt citation for Aug. 18.

The case stems from three initiatives on the November ballot — Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 — that would slash state and local taxes by billions of dollars. Opponents of the initiatives want to know who paid for signature petitions to be printed and circulated and have gotten court orders to compel Bruce to testify and produce documents about his role with the initiatives.

The state tried 30 times in May to serve Bruce with court papers compelling his testimony, and Whitney subsequently ruled that service on Bruce had been effected and it appeared he had “obstructed the administration of justice.”

An administrative law judge in June ruled there was sufficient evidence to find that Bruce, who has denied involvement with the initiatives, was a key organizer.

Bruce has called the proceedings against him a “lynching,” and throughout the hearing today, he challenged Whitney’s previous ruling that he had been effectively served.

“This is the problem. You said service is not an issue. Service is THE issue. Period,” Bruce said.

Whitney said he hoped to complete the hearing on the contempt citation in three days or less. But First Assistant Attorney General John Lizza, representing the state, said Bruce has a history of “trying to run out the clock on these initiatives” with delaying tactics.

Bruce did not respond to reporters’ questions in a courtroom hallway after the hearing.

I was taught that Initiative, referendum and recall were the basic rights of US citizens. Is Doug Bruce being castigated for exercising his Constitutional rights as a citizen of these great United States?

Davidjohnson813

If any thinking person would take a close look at our judicial system, they would see exactly why Doug Bruce disrespects the judge. The judicial system is the weakest branch of our tri-partite government. Their decisions are not fair and just and they have not earned nor do they deserve too much respect from the citizens.

http://www.AngelPhotography.com April Vawter

Bruce just needs to go to a nice cozy padded cell with a strapping jacket. We can throw in a gag, just for the annoyance-factor.

http://www.AngelPhotography.com April Vawter

Bruce just needs to go to a nice cozy padded cell with a strapping jacket. We can throw in a gag, just for the annoyance-factor.

Marianne

Doug Bruce has his own interests and only his own interests in mind when he does anything. That's part of the reason he was such a crummy rep. He didn't care about anything that didn't have anything to do with his slumlord holdings.

Froward

HA!! should a Judge rule in your favor, (just once) I seriously doubt you would have this opinion…

Froward

So Dougge bruce was cited for (and plead out to) trespassing… asking for signatures on one of these petitions in a shopping center (without permission). and he denies knowing about it?BULL.toss his kicking tantrum crybaby self in a CELL.

McGonagall

Bruce is castigated more for his incredible poor manners than for his politics. He has absolutely no idea how to work with other people. It is no accident that he isn't married and has no close friends.

maryb

Doug Bruce taught Colorado Springs a valuable lesson, he brought his crazy ideas with him from California and now we all pay for not being wise, educated voters and putting a nut like him in office. We gave him a voice, now we have to listen to his crazy nonsense day after day.

Anonymous

Here is the problem. Prop 13 in California was put in place because the value of real estate was going up so fast that property values were being readjusted by the county at will and caused many people to be taxed right out of their houses. It started happening here in Douglas county until the crash. There has to be a better way to moderate the ups and downs of the real estate market. I support government but not when taxes are going through the roof!

Anonymous

Here is the problem. Prop 13 in California was put in place because the value of real estate was going up so fast that property values were being readjusted by the county at will and caused many people to be taxed right out of their houses. It started happening here in Douglas county until the crash. There has to be a better way to moderate the ups and downs of the real estate market. I support government but not when taxes are going through the roof!

PDODD98

attacking bruce shall only strengthen his cause. guess what ppl at some point or another his props and amendments are gonna be on the damn ballot maybe not this year but the next could be an option. let the ppl decide anyway. funny how many articles written about bruce tell of his demeanor as if that is a crime. the real crime here is the democrats trying to stall, delay or throw out a piece of legislation up for vote. let the people vote unless you think were complete morons

Sage Sam

No, he is being investigated for subverting the law on numerous levels (campaign finance, refusal of court orders). This has nothing to do with the initiatives, it has everything to do with Bruce's massive ego and absolute disdain for the law.

Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog has named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.